Child Abuse and Neglect

What is child abuse and neglect?

Physical abuse is when a child is hit, slapped, beaten, burned or otherwise physically harmed. Like other forms of abuse, physical abuse usually continues for a long time.

Sexual abuse is when a child is engages in a sexual situation with an adult or an older child. Sometimes this means direct sexual contact, such as intercourse, or other genital contact or touching. But it can also mean that the child is made to watch sexual acts, look at an adult's genitals, look at pornography or be part of the production of pornography. Children many times are not forced into the sexual situation but rather persuaded, bribed, tricked or coerced.

Emotional or psychological abuse is when a child is regularly threatened, yelled at, humiliated, ignored, blamed or otherwise emotionally mistreated. For example, making fun of a child, calling a child names and always finding fault with the child are forms of emotional or psychological abuse.

Neglect is when a child's basic needs are not met. These needs include nutritious food, adequate shelter, clothing, cleanliness, emotional support, love and affection, education, safety and medical and dental care.